Chapter 33 Locking in the Female Lover
Zhu Kui was stunned. At this moment, the old official with a face full of flesh suddenly became frightened.
"Haha, I'm just kidding," Zhao Duan said with a smile:
"I just wanted to give him some trouble. I can't just let go of what happened last time. I have a temper, too, sir."
The tone is casual and understated.
But Zhu Kui could smell a hint of blood.
No, killing people in the temple is done without bloodshed, and there was murderous intent in Zhao Duan's words.
If you want to bring down the Zhang brothers, you must first find a breakthrough.
Although Zhang Changshuo was not very smart in his opinion, he was relatively cautious and was more cautious in order to create the image of a "gentleman".
Therefore, Zhao Duan set his sights on Zhang Changji, who was full of flaws.
The Baima Prison was not an intelligence agency, but Zhu Kui relied on his connections in the government office and was able to obtain information about Zhang Jia Erlang in a very short time.
According to the description on the paper, the Zhang brothers separated after they became adults and each started a family in the city.
It is worth mentioning that his brother Zhang Changshuo originally had a wife, but after writing poems and singing praises and gaining the empress's approval, he decisively found a reason to divorce his wife and returned to being single.
Even after being intercepted by Zhao Du'an, he still did not give up and has not remarried until now. He has been "staying alone in his empty room" for two years for the empress.
"He's also a ruthless person... but unfortunately he thinks too much."
Zhao Duan grumbled. Although they had only been together for a short time, he had already realized:
Xu Zhenguan had no interest in keeping male favorites and was a workaholic.
From this perspective, he tacitly acknowledged the rumors about Zhao Duan, or perhaps he was using him as a shield.
Otherwise, countless ministers would have racked their brains to find ways to send men to the empress.
…
Back to the topic.
Because Zhang Changji was serving in the Beijing camp, he was subject to military law and had to travel back and forth between his home and the military camp during the day.
I only go out to hang out at night or on holidays.
"Qinglian Cottage...what is this place?"
Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows. The information showed that Zhang Changji had frequently visited this place in the past six months.
Zhu Kui smiled, his expression slightly ambiguous:
"Your Excellency is a man of integrity. It's normal you haven't heard of this name. This is the private residence of a 'talented woman' in the city named Miss Xiaoya. She's quite famous and invites scholars and talented people to her gatherings every night."
Talented woman?
Party every night?
Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment, then reacted.
Unlike the famous "red-light district" in the capital and Yanzhi Hutong where brothels are clustered, there are probably two types of business types in the ambiguous places of the Dayu Dynasty.
One is the industrial cluster type, that is, a large number of brothels are clustered together, attracting traffic from each other and increasing brand value.
Among them are the government-run Jiaofangsi and private brothels, which are divided into different grades according to price.
The other is the "independent IP" operation route.
Usually, some officials committed serious crimes and were either beheaded or exiled, but their families were not implicated, leaving their wives and daughters to fend for themselves.
It’s okay if they are taken in by family relatives, but if they have nowhere to go, they have to go out to sea and make a living on their own.
Because they come from good families, are well-educated, and most of them have a foundation in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, a new model has emerged:
One or more women would hold a private banquet in their own house and host a "literary gathering".
She also spread the word through her circle of friends, inviting many men to pay to drink tea, listen to music, discuss poetry and play games, and also hosted some private banquets and parties.
It looks glamorous on the surface, but in the final analysis, it is still a flesh trade.
Imagine an official falls from power, and his former superiors, colleagues, and even subordinates learn that they can attend a "literary gathering" organized by his family...
Innate role-playing gameplay.
Isn’t this more interesting than the Jiaofangsi?
Naturally, the first time is new but the second time is familiar. Through word of mouth in the circle of friends, we can gain a stable customer flow.
Of course, in reality it is not that dirty. After the novelty wears off, most people still regard this kind of gathering as an elegant place.
Whether or not you can be invited to stay overnight by the hostess depends on whether she is willing.
Because most of the guests are people of some status, at the very least scholars, the average customer spending is high and the entrance fee is expensive.
Moreover, due to its concealed nature and the natural isolation of class circles, ordinary people, even wealthy businessmen, cannot find a way in without someone to introduce them.
Therefore, a chain of contempt has emerged:
Only the country bumpkins who come to Beijing from other places are keen on hanging out in brothels, while the old-timers in the Beijing circle all gather in private houses.
After Zhao Duan came to power, he was also educated on these little-known facts by his friends and went there twice.
Although the original owner was moved, he was deeply in love with the empress and was afraid that the empress would find out that he was hanging around such places during the "probation period" and would dislike him and lose his favor.
So I have been able to remain a virgin for a whole year and not lose my virginity!
"Okay, I'm a ruthless person too..." Zhao Duan laughed at himself in his heart.
He relaxed his brows and said:
"So, Zhang Changji often goes to see this Miss Xiaoya? Tsk, a soldier likes this kind of talented woman..."
I understand.
Zhu Kui hummed and said:
"The fact that Zhang Changji has been there for over half a year shows that he must be very close to Xiaoya. He might even reveal many private matters to outsiders that he wouldn't share with his family."
That makes sense... Zhao Duan nodded secretly. In that case, he could try to find out more from this talented woman.
"Do you know where it is?"
"I don't know, but give me two hours and I'll know."
Zhao Duan nodded in approval, flicked the paper with his fingers, and said:
"This is it."
…
…
Nothing happened during the entire day.
At dusk, Zhao Du'an left his servant behind as usual and took only Zhu Kui with him, traveling light.
Arrived outside the "Qinglian Cottage".
The lights come on, and after nightfall, the city is brightly lit. Qinglian Cottage is located in an inconspicuous alley, surrounded by normal houses.
Without the channels, ordinary people would never imagine that there is something else going on here.
Zhao Duan deliberately changed into a slightly simple long gown, dressed like a scholar, and Zhu Kui also did not wear official clothes, trying to keep a low profile.
"Sir, it's right inside. That's where the faint sound of the piano comes from."
Zhu Kui stopped the carriage and asked, "Would you like me to accompany you inside?"
What are you going to do? Do you want to establish a friendship with me that goes beyond superiors and subordinates? Zhao Duan complained and said lightly:
"No need, just wait outside."
After saying that, he walked into the alley alone.
Following the sound of stringed instruments and orchestras, we arrived outside a house. Two red lanterns were hung on the tall gate.
Zhao Duan knocked on the door: "Dongdong-dong."
After two long and one short signals, the gate creaked open.
The young doorman looked at him and was stunned. He didn't expect such a handsome man to come alone.
"But Qinglian Cottage? A friend recommended a visit."
Zhao Duan remained calm and handed over five taels of "ticket".
Seeing his bearing, the doorman knew that he was of high status and said with a smile:
"Sir, please come in."
Zhao Duan stepped into the courtyard and went straight into the main room.
The door was separated by a curtain. The sound of piano flowed like water from inside, and human figures could be seen crossing each other on the window paper.
The banquet had already begun, and there were about ten people seated there, all dressed like scholars, drinking and chatting.
Behind the screen, a graceful figure was reflected, and the sound of a piano came from behind. She was probably the owner of this place.
"Sir, please take your seat."
A maid came forward, then froze in shock, her face flushed. The other drinkers looked up, and all showed surprised expressions.
What a handsome man... Does he want to be a prostitute even with such good looks?
Everyone's expression changed, and their hearts sank:
A strong enemy!
According to the rules of this banquet, whether one can become a guest depends on the attitude of the hostess. Generally speaking, only those who are favored by Miss Xiaoya can stay overnight.
Zhao Duan put enormous psychological pressure on the men present just by showing his face.
(End of this chapter)
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